WJEC Eduqas GCSE Electronics specification (C490)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Electronics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE Electronics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE Electronics (C490) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Electronics is designed to develop learners' scientific, mathematical, and engineering understanding through the study and application of analogue and digital electronic systems. It encourages practical problem-solving, system design, and technical evaluation. Learners investigate electronic sub-systems, circuits, and programmable control within real-world contexts. Emphasis is placed on practical skills and the ability to propose, model, and test solutions independently. The qualification supports progression into electronics, engineering, or design-based study, offering a coherent and rewarding experience that builds on Key Stage 3 science and maths knowledge:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Discovering Electronics
- Electronic systems and sub-systems: sensing, processing, output; transducer drivers
- Circuit concepts: voltage, current, resistance, power; series/parallel rules; measurement techniques
- Resistive components: resistor networks, voltage dividers, current-limiting resistors for LEDs
- Switching circuits: MOSFETs, npn transistors, comparators; circuit analysis and design
- Applications of diodes: protection, half-wave rectification, zener regulation
- Combinational logic systems: gates, truth tables, Boolean algebra, simplification, IC selection
Component 2: Application of Electronics
- Operational amplifiers: non-inverting, inverting, summing circuits; gain, clipping, frequency response
- Timing circuits: RC networks, 555 timers (monostable/astable), frequency and mark-space calculations
- Sequential systems: flip-flops, counters, 7-segment displays; timing diagrams, sequencing
- Digital-to-analogue interfacing: transistors, comparators, Schmitt inverters for input/output control
- Control circuits: microcontrollers, interfacing, flowchart programming, real-world applications
Component 3: Extended system design and realisation task (NEA)
- Identify a problem, develop a design specification
- Propose and construct a complete system with multiple sub-systems
- Model, test, evaluate and refine system performance
- Document system planning, development, realisation, and evaluation in a detailed report
- Emphasis on originality, independence, and health and safety throughout design process:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Discovering Electronics
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40% of qualification
- 80 marks
- Mix of short, structured, and extended questions in practical contexts
- Includes synoptic questions drawing across topics
Component 2: Application of Electronics
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40% of qualification
- 80 marks
- Similar structure to Component 1, with additional applied system contexts
Component 3: Extended system design and realisation task
- Non-exam assessment (NEA): 20% of qualification
- 40 marks
- Students independently identify, design, build, test, and evaluate a system based on real-world context
- Must include multiple sub-systems and a documented report with photos
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 35%
- AO2: Application of knowledge – 35%
- AO3: Problem solving/design/test/evaluation – 30%
- Minimum 20% of marks assess mathematical skills:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Electronics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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